Smoke/CO Detectors

Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and outside of sleeping areas.

Test every detector at least once a month. [See your instruction book for the location of the test button.]

Keep smoke detectors dust free. Replace batteries with new ones at least twice a year (when we change the clocks in the spring and fall), or sooner if the detector makes a chirping sound.

If you have a smoke detector directly wired into your electrical system, be sure that the little signal light is blinking periodically. This tells you that the alarm is active.

Inexpensive smoke detectors are available for the hearing impaired.

The NFPA recommends smoke alarms be installed in EVERY room and area of your home or building for complete protection. All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years of operation.

Consumer’s should consult their owner’s manual for specific instructions when locating a smoke alarm. The following are some general guidelines:

Because smoke rises, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or on walls at least 4 to 6 inches below the ceiling.

Smoke alarms should not be located less than 4 to 6 inches from where the wall and ceiling meet on either surface; this space is dead air that receives little circulation.

Smoke alarms should not be mounted in front of an air supply, return duct, near ceiling fans, peaks of A-frame ceilings, dusty areas, locations outside the 40 degree to 100 degree temperature range, in humid areas or near fluorescent lighting.

If you are suffering from chronic flu-like symptoms, see your doctor and ask him if it could be a low-level CO poisoning. If you have a CO detector, and it alarms, open windows and ventilate your home w/fresh air, call 911 and have your heating system checked by a professional.

If your alarm sounds and you are feeling drowsy or dizzy, leave the house and call 911 from your neighbors home. You may need medical attention for CO poisoning.

Placement Of Carbon Monoxide Detectors Important

Proper placement of a carbon monoxide detector is important. If you are installing only one carbon monoxide detector, it should be located near the sleeping area, where it can wake you if you are asleep. Additional detectors on every level and in every bedroom of a home provides extra protection.

Homeowners should remember not to install CO detectors directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as appliances may emit a small amount of CO upon start-up. A detector should not be placed within fifteen feet of heating or cooking appliances or in or near very humid areas such as bathrooms.

When considering where to place a detector, keep in mind that although CO is roughly the same weight as air, it may be contained in warm air coming from combustion appliances such as home heating equipment. If this is the case, CO will rise with the warmer air.

Health Effects Of CO Poisoning

respiratory ailments

shortness of breath

headaches

nausea

drowsiness

sleep disorders

confusion

lack of judgement

fatigue

dizziness

light-headedness

fainting

unconsciousness

death

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